If You Live On the Creek

Riparian areas are lands that occur along watercourses and water bodies, such as the banks of Buck Creek. They are distinctly different from surrounding lands because of unique soil and vegetation characteristics that are strongly influenced by the presence of water.

If you live or own property directly on Buck Creek, there are simple things you can do to be a riparian steward and manage your shoreline property in a way that supports a clean and healthy creek. This article from the MSU Extension outlines five specific ways you can help.

One thing that folks who live or own property on Buck Creek can do that is especially helpful is to leave or add a vegetation buffer of native plants along the creek. These plants help filter runoff, and can provide shade and habitat. The south and west stream banks are most important to maintain this buffer. Information on plants to use in vegetation buffers can be found at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.